It doesn’t rain often in Seville but when it does, it unleashes rich, intoxicating fragrances; jasmine and citrus combined, a heady mix in this Andalusian city, which was once the base for seafaring operations in the Atlantic, and the gateway to the new world.
The business visitor who is short on time but who would like to soak up the essence of this city can do so easily in a day or two, as Seville is compact and accessible.
Christopher Columbus lived here at the Monasterio de la Cartuja during the 15th century and some of his relics are buried at the Cathedral de Santa Maria de la Sede, which is the largest Gothic temple and the third largest Christian cathedral in the world. It also one of the main tourist attractions in the city.
Paintings by Goya and Murillo, among others, can be viewed in the many small chapels within the cathedral. Making your way to the top of the Giralda bell tower, a 10-minute climb, will offer up some of the best views of the city.
The Real Alcazar, or Royal Palace, is the oldest royal residence in Europe still in use, dating back to the 10th century – Spanish monarchs stay here while in Seville. The outbuildings and gardens are incomparable in their ornateness and will be recognisable, having featured in the film Lawrence of Arabia and more recently the television show, Game of Thrones.
It may be worth hiring bikes and a guide while in Seville to maximise your time (seebybike.com) and the knowledgeable tour guide will be able to give a detailed history of all landmarks, including the Plaza de España and Plaza de America, two beautiful squares built by Sevillian architect Anibal Gonzalez. Close by is Parque de María Luisa, and it was here in 1929 that the Ibero-American Exposition was held to promote the relationships between Spain, Latin America, the USA, Portugal and Brazil.
La Duenas, the residence of the renowned Duchess of Alba, opened recently, following her death in 2015, and many Spanish tourists flocked to see it in its opening days. The duchess loved many elements of Andalusian culture, including the bullfight and flamenco and that passion and her joie de vivre are easily seen throughout this spectacularly ornate palace.
To enjoy panoramic views of Seville, take a trip to Las Setas, literally translated as The Mushroom, the largest wooden structure in the world. Go at dusk in order to see most of the city’s famous landmarks illuminated and at the top, you can enjoy a Manzanilla sherry from the province of Cadiz or a cold caña.
Flamenco is part of the beating heart of this city and the Museo del Baile Flamenco gives a short but comprehensive history of the dance and its origins. You can also take in a show, where the audience, as is tradition, is close enough to the performers to feel the swish of the dancer’s elaborate dress as she kicks and turns on stage.
With so much on offer and twice weekly Ryanair flights direct from Dublin, this southern Spanish city is the perfect destination to mix business with pleasure.
Eat
El Rinconcillo is the oldest restaurant in town, dating back to 1670. It's a bustling, intimate spot serving specialities such as Iberian ham, deep-fried aubergine served with honey, and spinach with chickpeas. elrinconcillo.es
Carniborea specialises in meat dishes and the Carpaccio de picaña gallega, beef carpaccio, and the Parrilla de verdura, a vegetable grill, are not to be missed. carniborea.com
Restaurante Antigua Abacería de San Lorenzo is a tapas restaurant serving typical Andalusian cuisine with a twist, including croquettas made with lamb, salmorejo (cold Spanish soup) and beef tartare. antiguaabaceriadesanlorenzo.com
Drink
1987 Bar: Serving late into the night and playing mostly '80s music, this small bar/nightclub will keep business clients entertained into the small hours.
Lola Por Dios: A typical local spot, this relaxed authentic bar is great for a chilled caña before or after dinner.
Stay
Hotel One Shot Conde de Torrejón is a converted Baroque stately home, centrally located, and within walking distance of many of the city's main sights and shopping districts. hoteloneshotpalaciocondetorrejon09.com
Five star: Barceló Sevilla Renacimiento hotelbarcelosevillaevents.com
Four star: Silken Al-Andalus hotelalandalus.com
For more see visitasevilla.es